Tag: rehearsal dinner

Nothing says casual and fun more than some Texas BBQ. Penn Quarters restaurant, Hill Country BBQ Market, would fit the bill for a large group looking to let loose and have some fun at their rehearsal dinner! — Vicky

Food & Drink: Started in New York, Hill Country opened last year in the Penn Quarters area.

“Named among the “Top 10 Barbecue in the U.S.” by the Wall Street Journal, Hill Country honors the barbecue and live music of the capital of Texas. Inspired by the grand old meat-markets-turned-barbecue-joints of Central Texas with their distinctive, dry-rub style, Hill Country’s brisket, sausage, ribs and other meats are smoked low and slow over Texas post oak wood. Classic Southern sides and sweets include Longhorn Cheddar Mac & Cheese and Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes.”

Private Dining Options: Hill Country has 1 private dining option and 1 semi-private option. The Boot Bar downstairs is the place to be! It can seat 120 comfortably, or 200 standing, and can be divided into 2 private spaces. It features its own long bar and a stage for live music. Upstairs in the main dining room, they have a raised balcony area (semi-private) than can hold about 20 guests.

Their private dining meals can be served buffet style or family style. Their Barbecue Chowdown Package is $55pp ++ and includes 4 courses. Their Family-Style seated menu is $45pp ++. Open bar package is $20pp per hour. Please contact Rachael Carney, Catering and Events Manager, for your updated menu.

Transit & Parking: The closest Metro rail stop is Archives Metro Station. Valet parking available for $10/car on the weekend and for weekday event, please inquire with the restaurant. There’s also a parking lot behind the restaurant with street access just a couple doors up from its entrance.

Advantages:

The large space downstairs can accommodate a large group.

You can invite those not invited to the rehearsal dinner to join in for a welcome party afterwards.

From recent conversations with my clients, they are having more and more guests at rehearsal dinners. Are you looking for a space that can hold upwards of 100 guests, check out Carmine’s in the Chinatown/Capital One Arena area of Washington, DC. One of our client’s hosted their rehearsal dinner here. This would be a great option for corporate lunch or dinner or a milestone celebration. Vicky

Carmine’s Back Dining Room can seat up to 120 guests with its own bar. Photo: Carmine’s

Food & Drink: Family style southern Italian restaurant which started in New York. It boasts the largest dining spaces in Washington, DC.

Private Dining Options: Carmine’s has 9 options for private or semi-private dining, ranging from 2 boardrooms that seat 18 to the back dining room that seats 120 people with its own private bar. Their sample menus ranged from $38-$55++ but please contact for Kyle Carnegie, Director of Special Events and Catering for your updated, customized menu.

Food & Drink: The restaurant recently overhauled its menu and culinary staff, bringing in a new chef from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The new menu is more refined, focusing on modern American cuisine.

Private Dining Options: Sequoia has 3 options for private dining. The private State Room seats up to 100 without a dance floor or 75 with a dance floor, and has its own bar and outdoor terrace. The semi private Mezzanine overlooks the main dining room can seat up to 32 or 40 for a standing reception. Your third option is the Main Dining Room which will seat up to 250 without a dance floor or 200 with a dance floor and includes access to the Mezzanine Level and a semi private outdoor terrace. Their sample menus ranged from $45-$95 but please contact for Scott Moon for your updated, customized menu. The restaurant would also be a wonderful choice for an intimate wedding.

Transit & Parking: There is a parking garage under the restaurant. The closest Metro rail stop is Foggy Bottom.